The
medieval Bar walls almost completely surround the city of York, spanning
between the ancient entrance gates into the city called Bars. The longest
section is accessible from Micklegate bar near the Railway station and the most
popular section adjacent to the Minster is accessible from Bootham or Monkgate
Bars. A plan of the walls can be seen on the
Map of York city.

The
earliest City Walls surrounding York were constructed by the Romans in the 1st
century. The first stone walls were built by the Normans in the reign of
William the Conqueror around 1066. The remains of the walls that surround the
city today date mainly from the 13th century, although some Norman work can
still be seen.

A walk along the walls provides interesting panoramic
views over the rooftops of the city and gives you an excellent introduction to
York. The Richard III Museum is housed in Monk Bar. A complete circuit of the
2.5 miles of remaining walls can take up to two hours, but if this is too long
then a visit to the most popular section overlooking the Minster and Deanery
gardens is recommended. Micklegate Bar is considered to be the most important
gate into York as it guarded the southern entry point traditionally used by the
monarch, also heads of traitors were displayed here ending with the Jacobite
rebels of 1745.

The walls are open to the public from 8 am until dusk
and admission is free, they are accessible by staircases at each entrance gate
or Bar. An early morning walk will avoid the crowds and provide plenty of Photo
opportunities.